Monday, November 30, 2009

Like all other winter-cold-wet weather clothing, I continue to fuss with different glove solutions every year. I prefer mittens. They're less prone to sweating and they keep my fingers warm in a wider range of temperatures. I'm not a big lobster claw fan, unless it's less than 25F or so. Then I'm a huge fan.

Here's my daily-driver plan this year.

These are modified REI gloves. I just finished stitching a water-resistant plasticy-nylon on the wind-facing side. These are my favorite gloves. They're light, they're versatile. They don't cost a fortune. But my finger tips tend to get cold when it's colder than 35 or so. I'm hoping this nylon will block the wind and even help a bit with the wet.

For long rides in unpredictable weather, this is my go-to solution. Outdoor Research no longer makes these shells. In fact, I can't find a light-weight Gortex or coated nylon shell mitten anywhere. There are lots of huge "climb Mount Everest" type shells, but nothing light and packable like this anymore. Weird, right?

So I stiched up a split in these mittens too.

Anyway, the wool mittens alone are good down to about the mid-thirties and dry. When it gets colder or if it turns wet, adding these shells gets me down to mid-20's or so, and works well in the lame cold-and-wet zone (30's and rain).

Yup, weird. The whole active outdoor clothing industry is all about layering except when it comes to your hands. After much experimentation last year, I'm a total freak for wool liners with a non-insulated, wind/water-resistant shell.

Lucas: For cold and dry it's hard to beat the Lake boot. But it's not worked well for me as a daily commuter.This fall I bought some Shimano MT-60. It's a Gortex shoe that so far has proven to be the ONE. I'll post more on it later.

Travis: Actually, I did see the Lattitude, but not the Endeavor. And, I'll have you know: I went to the MG site first!

The Latitude is way more than I need. If they just sold the shells for <$50, I'd probably buy them. The Endeavors look like the ticket, and when mine die, I may endeavor to get a pair if they ever go on clearance. I loose gloves. If I spent $85 on shells, I'd for sure loose them in a day or two.Thanks for the head's up.

Pat: what are you using for shells? are you a mitten guy or a glove guy?

Btw: the commute this AM was about 32 and dry. The modified REI gloves kept my fingers toasty! Normally, they would be cold by the time I get to work -- which is all down hill and into the wind. YAY for me!

John, I was having a chat with Alex about just this subject recently. I have also noticed that glove overshells seemed to be disappearing. Performance has these, http://tinyurl.com/ygd92wj but it looks like they may be phasing them out.The OR option looks ok but I prefer something that is less motorcycle gauntlet like.Pat, those REI glove shells that you linked to looks promising, I'll check those out, thanks.